Hay Merchant opening

January 4, 2013 12:04 PM

About 20 people were lined up when Hay Merchant's doors opened at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 15. (Ronnie Crocker / Beer, TX)

About 20 people were lined up when Hay Merchant's doors opened at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 15. (Ronnie Crocker / Beer, TX)

About 20 people were lined up when Hay Merchant's doors opened... Photo-3455307.49009 - Houston Chronicle

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Beers are the main attraction here. Everything else was designed to accommodate the cooler, says managing partner Kevin Floyd. The beers come first and everything else comes second. Beer is the No. 1 priority. (Ronnie Crocker / Beer, TX) less

Beers are the main attraction here. Everything else was designed to accommodate the cooler, says managing partner Kevin Floyd. The beers come first and everything else comes second. Beer is the No. 1 priority. ... more

Beers are the main attraction here. Everything else was designed to... Photo-3455309.49009 - Houston Chronicle

All of the Hay Merchant bar and wait staff underwent five days of intense beer education with Floyd. (Ronnie Crocker / Beer, TX)

All of the Hay Merchant bar and wait staff underwent five days of intense beer education with Floyd. (Ronnie Crocker / Beer, TX)

All of the Hay Merchant bar and wait staff underwent five days of... Photo-3455316.49009 - Houston Chronicle

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There are some good beers listed on that wall. (Ronnie Crocker / Beer, TX)

There are some good beers listed on that wall. (Ronnie Crocker / Beer, TX)

There are some good beers listed on that wall. (Ronnie Crocker /... Photo-3455317.49009 - Houston Chronicle

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(Ronnie Crocker / Beer, TX)

(Ronnie Crocker / Beer, TX)

(Ronnie Crocker / Beer, TX) Photo-3455318.49009 - Houston Chronicle

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Kevin Floyd says he wants Hay Merchant to be a holistic experience. Thus, beers such as Live Oak Pilz, Southern Star Bombshell Blonde and Lawnmower and Weedwacker from Saint Arnold share space with the more potent fare that appeals to more ardent craft-beer fans. (Ronnie Crocker / Beer, TX) less

Kevin Floyd says he wants Hay Merchant to be a holistic experience. Thus, beers such as Live Oak Pilz, Southern Star Bombshell Blonde and Lawnmower and Weedwacker from Saint Arnold share space with the more ... more